“Sunny with winds 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late afternoon” was how the official forecasters optimistically described today’s weather for Sail Port Stephens. At least they were right about the sunshine…

The breeze built to a fresh 20+ knots, with more than a sniff of southerly, and it blew away the chances of some of the fancied frontrunners in the Bannisters Port Stephens Commodores Cup fleet, along with an overnight adjustment of PHS handicaps.

Of course, it also brought other boats roaring back into contention.

Today’s inshore race favoured yachts with longer waterlines and the flexibility to power and de-power as required, with no better example than Little Nico. To its hat-trick of line-honours wins, the Shaw 11 added an overall handicap victory in Division 1.

In Division 2, the consistent Italia 11.98 Cicero held onto its overnight lead after posting an 11th today – again a step down from the 1-2 of previous days. Peter Horne’s Bling finished second overall, while the Bavaria 41 Elusive climbed to third.

Honours today went to Antipodes, Greg Newton’s Oceanis 45, from Namadgi and Tensixty.

While it was so far so good for Sofarr, leading into today’s race, a 19th placing gave the Farr 31 a nervous moment as it waited for the MASRM Liquid Force to finish. Ultimately the two yachts were tied on 21 points, victory going on countback to Sofarr owner Dale Sharp. The Jeanneau Sunfast 3200 Hells Bells claimed third place.

Race 3 honours in this division went to Ca Va, Wings 11 and Escape.

The handicappers caught up with Smoke and Mirrors in Division 4 after it had proven unbeatable in the two previous races. A 23rd dropped them back to second overall, allowing the popular Fareast 28R Chicken Lips to leapfrog them for the series win.

Skipper Mark Hillis hails from the NSW rural town of Wagga Wagga and only gets to sail three or four times a year. He caught the sailing bug after trying a catamaran on his home waters before stepping up to 28R.

The Azuree 33fc The Italian Job was third overall in Div 4.

Finally, in the non-spinnaker division, Peter Hamilton’s classic S&S34 Red William revelled in today’s breeze and snared overall victory from the Jeanneau SO349 Pinta Bay and evergreen East Coast 31 Kulani.

Stay up-to-date with Sail Port Stephens news and results via the event website www.sailportstephens.com.au or www.facebook.com/sailportstephens.

Sail Port Stephens 2021 is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism agency Destination NSW, along with Port Stephens Council and key sponsors Pantaenius Insurance, Alloggio, Bannisters Port Stephens and Flagstaff Marine.

by Mark Rothfield